WOTR, Walmart Foundation transform rural women into ‘Drone Pilots’ for climate-resilient agriculture

Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR), a leading non-profit dedicated to rural development and climate-resilient agriculture, has said that its driving a transformative initiative to introduce advanced technology to rural India. Under the ProRISE project, supported by the Walmart Foundation, WOTR trains women in rural areas, equipping them with the skills and certifications needed to become professional drone pilots.

The initiative also promotes inclusivity and gender equity, ensuring women play a central role in advancing climate-resilient agriculture in their communities.

To foster ownership and long-term sustainability, WOTR has facilitated a model where Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs) purchase drones for their groups. With support from the Walmart Foundation, the training and capacity building of women pilots was achieved. These drones are now being deployed for precision spraying and crop monitoring, and early results show clear advantages: reduced labour and time, lower chemical use, and more effective pest control.

Initially launched in the districts of Jalna and Dharashiv in Maharashtra, this initiative under the ProRISE project has already reached 2,100 farmers, with nearly 29% more expected to benefit by next month. With its partners, WOTR aims to expand the model within its existing areas of operation in western India, and, in time, to other parts of the country.

“Training women as drone pilots not only opens new livelihood opportunities for them but also helps local farmers adopt more efficient, sustainable, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. We are proud to associate with funders like Walmart Foundation, whose support enables us to scale this initiative and create meaningful impact in communities,” said Sandip Jadhav, Director at WOTR.

“We believe in the power of innovation and inclusivity to drive meaningful change. Supporting initiatives like training rural women as drone pilots aligns with our commitment to creating opportunities and fostering sustainable practices. By equipping these women with advanced skills, we’re empowering individuals-we’re helping entire communities embrace a more climate-resilient future,” said, Nishant Gupta, Social and Environmental Impact Advisor, Walmart.

The initiative shows how technology and skill development can empower rural women and strengthen climate-smart agriculture across India.